Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Will Freeman

Fantasy Six Nations tips: Four must-have players for Round 3 including returning England winger

The Six Nations returns after a two week break this weekend, with a fascinating round of fixtures for fans to enjoy starting with Italy vs Ireland on Saturday.

The match in Rome sees the current favourites to win a grand slam, Ireland travelling to face a side who have shown signs of improvement in this year's tournament. However, with Ireland fresh off of beating France in Dublin there is believed to be little hope for Italy with the Irish team expected to produce a performance befitting the number one world ranking they currently hold.

Later on Saturday, in Cardiff, England travel to face Wales, with Warren Gatland's men currently occupying bottom place in the table having conceded 69 points in their first two matches. This means that England's players could have a good day especially with the poor preparation Wales have been through following the strike threat which was resolved on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: England Rugby team news announcement LIVE: Steve Borthwick names Six Nations squad to face Wales

Finally, in what is probably the most exciting match of the weekend, Scotland travel to France to face a side who saw their long unbeaten run ended by Ireland in round two. Gregor Townsend's still have hope after their first two wins against England and Wales, but a trip to Paris is always a formidable prospect.

However, with Finn Russell pulling the strings in the city he has called home since 2018, anything is possible for the Scots in this one - here are your tips for this weekend's fantasy fixtures.

Finn Russell - 19.1 stars

One of the more obvious and mercurial talents in the Six Nations, Finn Russell has been at his very best in this year's tournament, with his performance against Wales yielding a remarkable 90.6 points. For a fly-half, you expect a them to bring the three try assists and kicking from the tee which he has done, however, what goes under the radar is the 18 tackles he has also made so far.

While he is an expensive option for your team, his performances have warranted selection, and faced with the prospect of a French crowd who know all about his ability already from his time with Racing 92, it could be an entertaining afternoon from the Scot.

Ollie Chessum - 10.4 stars

The Leicester man has been one of England's stand out performers so far in this campaign, with his burgeoning partnership with Maro Itoje looking set to continue going into the World Cup. A young player, he has only just broken onto the scene and started at just 9 stars in this tournament and has risen by 1.6 to this point.

With Wales struggling to cope with the decline of Alun Wyn Jones, it could be a good day for England's second row against their opposite numbers and Chessum will be a big part of that.

Anthony Watson - 13.1 stars

Having made his return from an ACL injury in round one against Scotland, the Leicester Tigers winger will start this weekend in Cardiff as Steve Borthwick opts for the experience of Watson over Ollie Hassell Collins. He made little impact off the bench against Scotland, but having been a key part of England for a number of years, he can be expected to produce his best in Cardiff this weekend.

Joe Hawkins - 10.2 stars

One of the few shining lights for Wales so far in this tournament so far has been the performances of Joe Hawkins, with the Ospreys centre showing the future for Warren Gatland's side. He struggled against Soctland as Wales capitulated, but with his size and playmaking ability he could return to the form which saw him earn 35 points in round one.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.